As I have said before I am in the middle of an Audi Q5 vs Jeep debate for my next new car. I am so close to buying the Jeep, but the one thing that bothers me a bit is the V6 felt a little sluggish. I like the gas mileage, but will the V8 feel much quicker? I am not an aggressive driver, but I don't like a slow response or sounds of the engine straining when getting on the highway or passing. I know the answer is to test drive, but I am in northern michigan on vacation and can't get to a dealer and have these burning questions, lol!

Jeremy1983

09-02-2011 11:56 AM

Re: Accleration in the v8 vs v6

I was dead-set on getting the V6... until I drove it. I know a lot users here are happy with their V6, but for me, I really needed an engine that effortlessly moved the vehicle and didn't feel sluggish or strained. I didn't want any regrets, so I got the HEMI.

ajs800

09-02-2011 12:02 PM

Re: Accleration in the v8 vs v6

Quote:

Originally Posted by flashy09
(Post 477554)

As I have said before I am in the middle of an Audi Q5 vs Jeep debate for my next new car. I am so close to buying the Jeep, but the one thing that bothers me a bit is the V6 felt a little sluggish. I like the gas mileage, but will the V8 feel much quicker? I am not an aggressive driver, but I don't like a slow response or sounds of the engine straining when getting on the highway or passing. I know the answer is to test drive, but I am in northern michigan on vacation and can't get to a dealer and have these burning questions, lol!

I am in the same position as you...v6 orv8. For most of my driving I'm sure the v6 will satisfy, but when I tow (handful of times a year) and when making long road trips up north, I'm thinking I'll regret going with the v6. If I knew I'd truly get ~22mpg cruising at 70-75 with the hemi, I'd go with it. I keep reading where folks are getting 21+ hwy with the hemi, but I don't think this is consistent with everyone.

CIEGOS

09-02-2011 12:27 PM

Re: Accleration in the v8 vs v6

I have never heard someone say man I wish I got that smaller engine, but I have heard people say I wish I had the larger engine. When in doubt get the larger engine :)

Celly

09-02-2011 12:28 PM

Re: Accleration in the v8 vs v6

Based off of everything everyone here has said the differeces are:

V6 Owners: They tend to think the Hemi owners are poopy heads who have wasted their money.

Hemi Owners: They tend to think the v6 owners have penis envy, but REALLY wish there was more scoot in the v8 package.

The truth is.

The v6 is more than an adequate engine for 95% of the Jeep Purchasing population. It is a very smooth, quiet, capable engine. It does exactly what it is built for..

The Hemi, gives you a lil more scoot, and a lil more pull. It's not going to win any races, or lift any girls skirts.. But it can get the Jeep up and out of it's own way if you need it too.

Richpearl

09-02-2011 12:40 PM

Re: Accleration in the v8 vs v6

James Healey just reviewed a Pentastar/8-speed Dodge in his USA Today column. He called the combo a "win win win win". Better acceleration, smoother, better MPG, etc. It's out this month on big Dodge & Chrysler sedans. Apparently it will reduce V6 penis envy of Hemis (until, of course, the Hemis eventually get an 8-speed).

Sadly, I don't think the GC is slated to get the 8-speed until the 2013 model. Oh well, that'll give us a year for Chrysler to work the bugs out.

Rich

flashy09

09-02-2011 12:40 PM

Re: Accleration in the v8 vs v6

Thanks so much! Is cabin noise any different in the two?

Celly

09-02-2011 12:44 PM

Re: Accleration in the v8 vs v6

Quote:

Originally Posted by flashy09
(Post 477648)

Thanks so much! Is cabin noise any different in the two?

Yes, If you wake up the Hemi, you can hear it nicely in the Cabin... Around town tho, they are both very mellow.

IRISH

09-02-2011 12:52 PM

Re: Accleration in the v8 vs v6

I was less than impressed with the Hemi in the WK2, the WK with the Hemi felt good, but the new one with 500 lbs more and 3:31 gears (or whatever) is nothing to brag about.

johncaravello

09-02-2011 01:01 PM

Re: Accleration in the v8 vs v6

flashy,

I am in the exact position you are in. I too am considering either a 2012 Q5 2.0t premium plus or a JGC Overland. As far as the Q5 goes it is kinda small. The back seat is pretty tight for hauling around adults. It gets very good gas mileage but it needs 91 octane. Also its scheduled maintainance can get pricey....for example spark plugs every 30,000 miles. That being said, from following both the Audi and Jeep forums for the last couple of weeks I believe the build quality and reliability of Audi is vastly superior to Jeeps. I am amazed and quite abit concerned about the amount of problems reported on the 2011 JGC's. I am hoping that the 12's will prove to have the "bugs" worked out. I am waiting for the jury to come in on this issue. As far as the Jeep V6 vs V8 goes, I can say that I have test driven both and the v6 is sluggish compared to the Hemi. The fact that this vehicle for my purposes will be pretty much used for "soccer mom" dutys, makes 13 MPG on hemi around town a very costly proposition. IMO, gas prices will not go down...they will only increase in the future. The lack of power on the v6 is not a deal breaker for me but paying more to have to pay more is. So at this moment I am leaning towards waiting abit and then ordering a V6 overland to have before the late January/February New York snows hit. Good luck.

Celly

09-02-2011 02:11 PM

Re: Accleration in the v8 vs v6

If you're worried about Gas, Get the Q5.

But, I'd recommend putting all that money you save on gas in a pickle jar above your fridge. Just incase the license plate light bulb burns out, and you need to purchase a metric plutonium powered laser saw to install the Newtonian light bulbs that are only work if installed within 28 hours of being shipped from Germany.

Seriously, it's in the owners manual. Look it up.

NHman

09-02-2011 04:14 PM

Re: Accleration in the v8 vs v6

Quote:

Originally Posted by flashy09
(Post 477554)

As I have said before I am in the middle of an Audi Q5 vs Jeep debate for my next new car. I am so close to buying the Jeep, but the one thing that bothers me a bit is the V6 felt a little sluggish. I like the gas mileage, but will the V8 feel much quicker? I am not an aggressive driver, but I don't like a slow response or sounds of the engine straining when getting on the highway or passing. I know the answer is to test drive, but I am in northern michigan on vacation and can't get to a dealer and have these burning questions, lol!

flashy09, what type of driving and roads would you be on? For example, city vs. highway, slow commute, mountains, towing, etc.

In terms of fuel economy the V6 has an advantage in city driving but the numbers are very close on the highway.

The V8 (Hemi) will accelerate better and depending on load, can serve has a better option for towing.

You'll find forum members on both sides of this question. Honestly, it comes down to what is good for you which would be helped by testing driving both powertrains.

For me I went for the Hemi. Do I really need it, no. However it was more of an emotional decision and ultimately I don't want regrets post purchase. The $2k adder which included the Hemi, tow pkg and QDII was worth it to me.